Rovaniemi With Kids: A Local Mom's Winter Guide

Rovaniemi is a great destination for families with children. As a mom of two, I can promise you that little ones will not freeze if they are dressed properly (we have plenty of local kids running around too, and they are fine), and they will have a magical time. The first thing to get right is clothing. We have a full guide on what to wear; below are the kid-specific tips.

How should you dress kids for the cold?

Kids never want to wear hats or gloves, but it is essential, and non-negotiable with little ones. Aim for a proper hat that covers the ears, ideally mittens (gloves keep each finger separate, so they are not as warm), and woolly socks inside winter boots with room to wiggle the toes. We are firm believers in long underwear: not the coolest outfit, but the warmest (ha ha). Trust me, a cold child is an unhappy child, and then nobody has a good time no matter how special the activity. Layers help, because when kids are active, like running back up the hill with a sledge, they get sweaty, then cold once they stop and their clothes are damp.

How do you dress a baby for Lapland's winter?

If you are travelling with a baby, dress them well for outside, since babies do not move much to keep warm. A thick overall over a (merino) wool overall is a good combination. Check their temperature now and then by slipping your fingers under the overall at the neck to make sure they are not sweaty or cold, and check hands and feet too. Finns let their babies nap outside in the stroller all year round, and they sleep beautifully in the fresh winter air. Here too, clothing is everything.

What should you know about car seats and winter clothing?

If you are renting a car and your child still needs a car seat or booster, it is safest not to have thick clothing on under the seat belt, as it is a safety hazard. Take off the outer overall or thick jacket, and just lay it over the child on top of the belt until the car warms up.

What activities do kids enjoy in Rovaniemi?

Plenty. Ice skating, sledging, downhill skiing, reindeer or husky rides, and snow parks are all winners. The free kids' playparks around the city are lovely, and if the weather turns and your kids need to burn off steam, there are indoor activity parks like RolloHalli or SantaSport FunPark (these charge admission). For something more educational, visit Arktikum, a museum about Rovaniemi and the Arctic, or Pilke, all about forests and forestry. Both are very child-friendly and let kids play while they learn, and Pilke in particular is very hands-on.

Where do you find kid-friendly food, baby food, and diapers?

Rovaniemi has plenty of options, whether you want local treats or something safe and familiar. There are fast-food chains and international cuisine (Chinese, Vietnamese, Italian), and most restaurants have a kids' menu with easy choices. Authentic Lappish flavours cost more but are worth a try if you can tempt your kids to sample something new. For the full rundown, see our where to eat in Rovaniemi guide.

You will find diapers in every grocery store, big or small, along with basic baby-care items. There are changing facilities all around, and some malls have a spot to warm baby food or nurse in peace. Tap water is pure and drinkable, and you can refill bottles almost anywhere with running water. Bigger markets carry baby food, formula, snacks, and microwave meals, and some have warm meals and sushi at a counter. Finns have a sweet tooth, so the pick-and-mix candy section in the big markets will make your kids' day.

Anything we did not cover about bringing your kids to Lapland? Get in touch, we are happy to help.

For the rest of your trip, see our complete Rovaniemi in winter guide.